Used 2001 Dodge Stratus Consumer Reviews
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dodge stratus se coupe 2001 the truth about it
good things :when i am driving my car,it is as fast as new cars,never behind them,most time in front of. aceleration brilliant,you will be really surprised about it.really fun to drive.edmunds said the truth about it. brakes enough good,4 discs. engine sounds excelent,trunk huge for a coupe car .rear seats very comfortable,they look like sedan seats ,not like the caracteristics coupe little seats.sound sistem enough good.i reproduce music with my phone and sounds powerful.and the last good thing,the car looks really nice for 2001. and now the bad details,,the front bumper is too low,and sometimes hit the front line when i am parking, and the last one, turning ratio is not so good
LOVE MY STRATUS
I bought a 2001 Dodge Stratus R/T brand new (first new car!) and absolutely LOVED it. Sadly, after 13 years, I had to retire the car. The car offered affordable luxuries (leather seats, sunroof, Infinity sound system), agile handling, and comfort. No major expenses, just the cost of routine maintenance.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Can't drive in snow or rain
This car has terrible turing radius. I have only had the car 2 years, and the lettering on the sides of the car is peeling off. It handles terrible in the snow and the rain.(hydroplanes).
Fair mechanically, bad cosmetically
I have owned mine since new. I read the other review of the black paint, and I have the same problem. The top coat of paint just flakes off over time and makes your car look like it has dry skin. I have givin up washing it. Very disappointing. And also the dash is cracked in 4 places along the defrost vent. I have replaced the exhaust manifold because of cracks also. The car performs well and kicks but when you mash on the pedal. It gets reasonable mileage for a 4 banger. Even at 141000 miles. If Dodge would have put their own drive train in this car it would have been like the Vega. Mitzu makes a good engine. Also, if your 6' 2" or more, this car is too small for you.
Engine Blown
Engine problems and more engine problems. At first it seemed great but at 55-56K it started to decline. I serviced every 3K and all regular maintenance. At around 90K, I needed my main gasket replaced. Then last week I was informed my engine was shot. Also, had some electrical problems with my windows and especially my radio/CD player. I purchased new with every upgrade, even smokers package (I later learned, even though I have never smoked for xtra $20). Car still looks great, interior & exterior still looks new. This is the second Dodge that this has happened, I owned a Jeep before this and I was to dumb to learn. Never again! I am buying a Toyota! Do your homework, don't buy Dodge
Better off in a Hyundai
My first & LAST experience with Dodge. Dad warned me...The horsepower is a joke. 6 disk CD changer has been replaced 3 times in the last 2 years as it would not release nor play CD's. Driver side auto window function is a joke; has to be pressed 2 or 3 times for the window to go down by itself. The car shakes while i sit idling with foot on brake & they made a loud noise for a long time that the dealership said they couldn't fix. You have to practically stand at the car door for the keyless remote to work. Trunk does not latch easily, has to be slammed real hard. I had 2 Hyundai's before this car and they were a LOT better.
Run of the mill sedan
Very frusturating car to own. I've experienced steering and electrical problems from day one. Blower fan not working on all speeds, radio turning on/off by itself, rear defroster problems. Had to replace the rack and pinion at 42,000 miles. Transmission pan to low to ground making it easy to bottom out resulting in leaks.
2001 Dodge Stratus ES, My 39000 View
The handling and performance reminds me of my 91 Maxima. A bit more power and better gas mileage. I was afraid of the Dodge reliability but no problems except a rattle that has developed in the last 500 miles, I think it is a heat shield. The auto-stick is fun, with a bit more torque from the motor everything would really work smoother, I was used tho the Buick 3.8 before this car. Bang for the buck and the looks of the Stratus pulled me to at least try the Dodge.
Recommended car!
No major repairs required since I've owned it. Purchased w/ about 43K miles. This car has served me an awesome time, again and again. The most problems I have had, had been with the front end (bearings, breaks, turn signals...), but maybe b/c mine is a rebuilt title? All fixed and drives so smooth! Cruises nice around 70mph. Manual trans. is the only way to go! Very fun, especially to watch people look at your car take off scratching their heads???
I'm Lovin It
Bought it new. I have 171,251 miles and have had no major problems. Did replace water pump and timing chain at 100,000 mile check up. Did replace Air Conditioner at 156,000 miles. Alternator at 160,000. I consider these normal wear and tear items. Car still looks new and runs like new. I enjoy driving it every time I'm in it. Now is showing some signs of problem. One door lock doesn't work and one electric window won't work. But, still for it's age and miles I consider it a good car. I would own another one. Chrysler did a good job with the 2.7 V6 engine and auto trans.
Get Checked out
My Stratus has 122000 miles on it and timing belt is going out ($1000) and the body model control is going out ($1000) the car isnt worth much more then that... the inside is nice but all the handles are broken. If your going to buy the STRATUS get it checked out as for me i recommend you move on and find something else
First Real Car
I've only had this car for six months, but based on all the other cars i've had, borrowed, or test drove, this is the best one i've been in. From zero to a hundred the car accelerates and handles very well. Has real good handling and decent brakes, dodged a near head on collision and countless critters. Last winter there was a bad snow storm, 6 inches, thought with the low clearance the car was stuck, the car dug its way through an un-shoveled drive way that a van couldn't clear. Good fuel economy too for the engine size, V6 chews up oil and spark plugs faster than average. Great car though, when maintained.
First Dodge - Will not be the last!
Main use is trips to the stores - all within 1 mile. A trip to relatives is every speed from 25 to 65 in 45 minutes. Recently took midwest to east coast trip. The 4 banger had to work a little, but the tranny made up for it. Short HP was evident in the mountains (had rented a Stratus two years ago for same trip - had 6cyl with plenty of power). If I outlast this one, I will buy another.
Well?
Well I purchase my car used in 2005 at 97,000 miles. One year after buying my car, I had to replace my transmission computer which cost around 450 including labor at a Dodge dealership. No huge problems since. Currently, I have a trans leak coming from shift shaft I'm going to get fixed) also problems sometimes with rear defrost and Windows. Now car has 178,000 miles and running ok. I get my tunes ups and oil changes every 3-4000 miles. I'm driving this car till the wheels fall off- can't afford another car payments! Body in good shape. All yeah, gas meter jumping up and down? What's that about when I keep my car on full all the time?
Stratus
The 2001 Stratus 4Dr. SE Sedan (4cyl) is a fine car. Although it a little louder than I'd prefer It's still a nice vehicle. The interior is laid out good. The controls are easy to read and access. The front seats are comfortable. The 4 cylinder has decent power and acceleration.
girst and last time I buy a Dodge
The place I bought the car from was great! The didnt try to hassel me or make me feel stupid. thats about where The good news ends. I wii never buy another Dodge. At abot 30000 miles the back wheel broke. Some bolts broke and the tire was at about a 45 degree angle to the car. The paid for most of that to get fixed then my fan switch broke all within a year of ownership. oh yeah when the wipers are on and I turn the wheel or use the blinker the lights in the car power flux (change brightness) Ive heard dodge trucks are made better than there cars. I sure hope they are But I will never find out first hand this is my last dodge experience.
Help, They cannot fix it
First, let me say I love this car with two exceptions. My first problem is a very high pitched squeaking noise when accelerating and it goes away immediately when letting off the accelerator. The car has been in the shop 3 times with 3 different answers. Shop #1 told me that they know about this but cannot fix it. Shop #2 told me it was the steering pump and they replaced it, but that didn't work. Shop #3 told me there was a recall and they replaced the power steering fluid, of course that didn't correct the problem either. My other concern is the huge drop in value of this car. I have every option on my car and it has dropped half its value in 6 months, that seems a bit excessive.
Great car for the price
I bought the car recently. Super fast being the RT model. Fun to drive and it feels safe and responsive. Gas mileage is roughly 21 overall, and I drive it hard. Only a couple complaints. The second cupholder is a joke, its under the armrest and is shallow. Also there is an odd rattle that I've heard. Its mostly notable when coasting. The engine is strong so it covers it when your gassing it. Nothing major though, I can live with it. Definitely a fun car to have and it gets looks wherever it goes. Cheap too, bought mine for 5 grand with under 60k on it.
Stratusfied
I've always owned Civics/Accords, so I was very pleasantly surprised by the Dodge Stratus- a car that provides a driving experience every bit as satisfying as any Honda I've ever driven. Even better, the "base" model (SE) comes loaded with standard features- so you're getting a terrific value that includes style, performance, and comfort. If it proves to be as reliable as it is fun to drive, Daimler- Chrysler may have a customer for life. I love this car!
Great Car
I bought my Stratus SE 4cy a little over a month ago, and so far I'm very pleased. I'm getting about 28mpg, and thats with mixed driving from highway and city. The only things I have had troubles with so far is about a week after I bought the car, the engine light came on and they cant find the problem. The car still runs great.
Good Car until 85K
Bought it used with 30K, and didn't have any major problems until 85K...then it seemed like every month something else went wrong. It started small with a short in the radio which led to several blown fuses. Then the fan motor speeds and rear defrost began to fail. 90K, cracked head gasket. 100K transmission began leaking. Replaced shift pack, started leaking again at 120K. I drove it hard, but it didn't hold up like I expected. Traded it in at 130K.
2nd review for this car
I've had the car for over 2 years now and put on almost 50000 miles. Only had to do maintaince repairs, brake pads, tire, no major components replacements. Oil must absolutly be changed after 3000 miles. Car is now five years old but still not showing any rust and the engine and transmission still work just like when I bought it. The drivers door lock switch stopped working but everything else is still in good shape. The car has averaged 30 mile per gallon in the time i've had it. Handles good on winter roads too.
Don's Review
I bought this car with almost 120,000 miles and it drives pretty decent. I've turned several heads with the cars already stylish exterior, with just a few simple mods. First the cars' door molding was shaved to give it the clean look; then I painted my calipers and after market black headlights. After some modifications regarding appearance, I then bought a intake and exhaust system and now I'm up to about 225 hp. You can definitely feel the power and I especially love the improved 0-60 time.
Good while it lasted.
This car (the coupe) is just a Mitsubishi Eclipse with a different outer body. It's fun to drive and I still got complements even though its an '01. I traded it about a month ago with 80K miles. The transmission went without any warning whatsoever, the interior was falling apart (dash cracking in sun, door handle breaking) and paint on the door was chipping. This was upseting because I felt like I was fighting a loosing battle in tring to keep it nice, by the end it looked like I treated it like crap which was not the case. It was fun to drive with good performance from the Eclipse 3.0 200hp v6. It however kind of stunk in the winter even though it was front wheel drive and had decent tires.
I'd buy another
This has been a fine car in nearly all respects. The only gripes I have is the difficulty of replacing the air filter and the battery. Otherwise, the car has everything I want: looks, performance, handling, comfort and economy. I have the 2.7 V-6. Maintenance costs have been minimal and I have 77,400 miles on it. I've been looking at other cars, but I guess I'll just wait until they come out with the re-styled Stratus and Sebring sedans.
Sweet car
Bought my car new in '01. No problems. After 8 years finally have had to start spending some cash on it. Repairs here and there, but nothing that's not normal wear and tear
I love my stratus
I bought my stratus in October of 2001 with only about 1000 mile on it and now it has 113,561. I love to drive it all the time. It had the original tires on it at 62,353 and my 1 2 3 speed on my air conditioner went out at 96,000 but the 4 speed still works. Even though it a old car i still love it.
awesome!!!!
I have loved dodge since i owned my avenger what a wonderful experiance i have had with my cars. I love the way they take care of me. Drove from colorado to iowa without a problem.
great car!
I just purchased my stratus about a month ago. I have had absolutely no problems with it. it rides like a dream and has plenty of power all though the rpm band. if you are looking at one i was skeptical if i would adjust to the smaller windshield and sportier feel, but i did very quickly. I read many of these before finally buying a car. For the money i don't think you will find a better car. my only complaint although small is that if you like to drive with mirrors the blindspots can be tricky, but easily remedied by physically looking or blindspot mirrors. If considering one, they are worth it.
2001 Dodge Stratus
This is a wonderful, classy, looking family car.
Dodge Stratus First and Last !!!!!
Great car. Resale value sucks. Owned since new (3 years), financed for 6 years. Currently owe $5000 more than resale value. This should not be!
You pay for what you get
Car is great but eng peace of crap 2.7 trash
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent
I've had my car for over a year I bought it used with lots of milage so I thought I'd need a warranty. Bad news is I wasted my money on that extended warranty. Good news is this car is awesome it is a great everyday driver. I love driving it. Unlike everyone else I have not experienced a high pitched noise.
2001 Stratus
I love this car! It has excellent mileage for a mid size car, even around town. I trust it not to let me down on long trips too. Also get a lot of compliments on it.
LOVE MY CAR
Love to drive this car, it is without a doubt a 4 door sports car, dual overhead cam fuel injected 4 banger really runs GOOD!
Mixed emotions
My Status was a company lease with high highway miles. I'm not quite sure what the deal was, but I had so many problem with the car. Luckily I had the factory and the extended warranty that I chose to purchase. I am currently on my third A/C & heating control module. The chrome lettering on the sides, "SE", "DOGDE", "STRATUS" peeled off. I t has very low head room, especially in the back seat. I was very surprised by the power it has for a 4 cylinder, but very disapointed in the gas mileage. I had the same mileage in my old Lumina 6 cylinder. I had a theory about first model year vehicles and a recent issue of Consumer Reports saying that they have more problems.
Good while still new
I bought the Stratus barely used and overall it hasn't been a bad car. I have not had a lot of major problems under the hood. However, the air conditioning has been a constant problem since about 60,000 miles. It is repaired and then goes out again soon after. This last time, I took the car to 3 reliable/well known mechanics in the Chicago area who were all unable to determine the cause of the problem. I suppose their could be worse things- as the car runs, but it is very frustrating not to have air constantly. I have come across many others with dodge vehicles who have reported the exact same prob. with ac and have also had difficulty wih getting it repaired.
Can't trust the power windows
I bought the car when it was a year old. Two years later, the driver's power window went bad and I've had that same window fixed a total of 5 times in the last year. I can no longer use the window because I don't trust it to operate correctly.
Good solid car
Now over 6 yrs old, has never given much trouble. Have had 2 wheel bearings, one covered by warranty, and heater fan lost 1 speed. Also a tie rod replaced. FM portion of radio just stopped working. That's it for repairs! Have driven coast to coast. Average mpg lifetime around 31 mpg with 2.4 liter engine/automatic. Original tires went over 76K miles.
Sqeaky Noise
My dodge stratus makes a loud annoying sqeaky noise when i hit about 70 mph. The noise is consistant and extreamily annoying especially when i go on road trips. Other then the noise, that the dealership can't fix i love my car. The drive is nice and it acclerates really well.
Great little car!
Bought this car used in Jan 2004 when my 94 Jimmy died. Had never driven one before or heard much about them but I got a great deal on it and figured w/ the inline 4cyl it would be good for my 70+ mile roundtrip daily commute. 9 months later, and I honestly love this car! Still doesn't have nearly as much power as my bf's WRX STi (what does? LOL) but its a great car! I've put over 20K miles on it in 9 months (has 80K on it now)and so far the only things that have been replaced are the tires and the RF wheel bearing. Very, very reliable, looks great and very uncomplicated. Love it!
2001 Stratus
I have put lots of milage on this car and have had no problems, except having to replace the windshield a few times which was not the cars fault. It does need new bushings, which squeak when it is hot. I understand this is not an uncommen problem in New mexico but I have not had it on any previous car. This is the 6 cylinder
Love my Stratus
Okay so I'm 18 and I just graduated high school. I'm a typical teen and I really push my car like all teens do lol. I have the 2001 Dodge Stratus 4 door SE Sedan with the 2.4L V4 and i love it! It was my cousin's car and it's mine now. It was originally a rental car so tons of people have driven it including my cousin and me and let's say we're not the best drivers ha ha. I love my stratus. For a midsize sedan with only a V4 it's a great little car. I love the interior and exterior. I love the aggressive dodge look it has from the front. Also for a V4 it preforms well. Its not bad on gas, its 20 city and 28 highway. It could be better but its okay for me. I love it and i would recommend it to anyone!
Pretty Good
Overall has been a pretty solid car. Handles well and has good acceleration. Had to get rid of the Goodyear Eagles, replaced with Potenzas and hydroplaning and winter driving vastly improved. Had to replace EGR solenoid at 50,000, rt front wheel bearing at 100,000 and rear sway bar links but has been very reliable throughout my 6 yrs with it. Paint and body have held up very well. Took it to the Dodge dealership for the EGR light and they had no idea what to do w it. Drove over to the Mitsu dealer and they fixed it in 30 min.
Absolutely Love It!!
I bought this car because I needed something reliable, economical, yet not to "corny" looking...and I have not been disappointed in any aspect. I do a lot of driving and I plan to trade the one I have for a 2002. Not a bad word to say about it...I had been broadsided and the car was strong enough that I came out with nothing more than a bruised knee...I'd recommend one to anybody...and I already am responsible for someone else buying one...I LOVE IT!!!
Great car with a few flaws
I just recently bought my 01 RT Stratus and I must say its awesome. For those who dont know, the Stratus coupes are identical to Mitsu Eclipses in almost every way. This car moves quick, and turns sharp. It handles well and I find its overall very well put together. My only gripes are with a few interior things. First of all, the dash material is a very stiff plastic and it cracks without warning. Failure to seal cracks will lead to annoying rattling and more cracking. I have 3 cracks. Some people have it split in half. Also, the 2nd cupholder is hidden under the armrest. It makes no sense whatsoever. Lastly the fuel economy could be better, I get close to 21 driving rough.
Nick's Strat
my 2001 stratus is a great car. the auto-stick is an awesome feature, and fun to use. good top end performance, but not alot of modifications are avaliable for the stratus.
Mitsubishi=good Dodge=bad
Everything about this car is Mitsubishi except the frame and paint. What screwed up? The paint. I caution those considering one of these that is black. This car is a 2001, and by 2004 the paint was burning off in the sun, and I live in a temperate climate zone. The ride is like the v6 Eclipse, fast, smooth, and comfortable. The car is very fun to drive and has held up great for 88k miles thus far. Uses expensive tires and likes to eat them, but if you drive conservatively this shouldn't be too much of a problem. And, for a sports car, this car gets pretty good fuel economy. I gauged it at 26mpg using 93 octane gasoline. I love this car and will hate to get rid of it. Poor warranty
Dodge Stratus: Built to be a Rental Car
This car is BLAND. Nothing's gone wrong for the time that I've owned it, but there's just nothing special about this car. Exterior is anonymous and blends in with other cars and the interior feels cheap. Fuel economy is weak and power from the V6 is only adequate. Ride is decent when on smooth surfaces. Car's composure is easily lost when driving over bumps. Annoying high-pitched noise can be heard when depressing the accelerator (but not accelerating hard).
Makes merging fun!
It sucks up the gas... perhaps it's my driving style. I believe specs are 17 mpg, I concur. All leather interior, 7 infinity speakers, 4 cd changer, 17" polished wheels, sunroof, 200hp. Rear view mirror fades the lights of the traffic I pass. Fast and sporty and new enough on the market to get "thumbs up" from pedestrians while parking at the grocery store. Merging onto traffic is a delight. Steering while in turbo makes me concentrate more, as it is front wheel drive and has special tracking making the front wheels fight against eachother for traction. But I got used to it.